The Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC) is celebrating the successful conclusion of its first Houston Black Leadership Institute (HBLI), a development program for young African-American professionals. A graduating class of 14 students completed the seven month program in April of 2014 by participating in educational sessions held at locations throughout the city.

"This program offers training and instruction to the best and brightest of Houston’s future business, political, civic and industry leaders," observes GHBC President Leonard James, III. "Our goal is to foster and sustain influence across all of these areas, which will promote the advancement of our community as a whole. We are identifying and developing the individuals who are best suited for the tasks ahead."

It is the expectation of the GHBC that the HBLI will ultimately develop and sustain a system of succession planning for African American leadership in the city of Houston.

The curriculum of the Houston Black Leadership Institute features training modules focused on Diversity, Collaboration, Personal and Professional Development, Houston’s Black History, and Strategic Planning. Throughout the course of study, HBLI participants are introduced to mentors and assigned a variety of comprehensive projects for review and completion.

The GHBC congratulates the following individuals who successfully completed the HBLI’s inaugural course of instruction:

Since 1935, the Greater Houston Black Chamber (formerly the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce) has served as an advocate for African-American business owners and professionals in the Houston area. Seventy-nine years later, the organization’s mission and vision have flourished, reflecting the needs and growth of its members. GHBC has provided value to members, area businesses and the community and has remained committed to assisting African-American businesses succeed within the local community.

With much of the nation’s attention focused on the economic state of the country, GHBC has kept the needs of black business owners on the forefront, proving itself to be a premier organization focused on the prosperity and growth of Black entrepreneurs. Today, the Chamber remains focused on how to impact and provide advocacy, awareness and access to African-American businesses within the community.